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With a nearly 50-year
history of caring for animals and the environment, Busch Gardens
is creating the park’s newest adventure – an exotic jungle where
discovery and exploration invite guests to connect with the
world around them.
In spring 2008, Busch
Gardens Tampa Bay will open Jungala – its
newest and most ambitious park enhancement project to date. Set
in the Congo area, the 4-acre attraction will invite guests to
discover exotic creatures, explore a village hidden deep in the
jungle and connect with the inhabitants of the lush landscape
through up-close animal interactions, multi-story family play
areas, rides and live entertainment.
Towering trees, cascading
waterfalls, flowing waterways and elaborate stone structures
shape the landscape to transport guests out of their modern-day
lives into a mythical place where the inhabitants – both human
and animal – live in complete harmony with nature.
From atop the tallest
trees or beneath the jungle floor, guests will be completely
immersed in the animals’ world. Multi-tiered habitats allow
visitors to connect with two of the world’s most endangered
species – Bengal tigers and orangutans. Treetop observation
platforms are the perfect vantage point to watch orangutans
within their family groups or resting in a specially designed
treehouse. Subterranean caves and underwater windows offer a
clear view of tigers swimming in their temperature-controlled
plunge pool, while natural bridges and bamboo screens bring
guests closer to these exotic predators than ever before.
Acrobatic gibbons, flying foxes and mysterious tomistomas also
make this exotic rainforest home.
In the jungle clearing,
the village is anchored by a centerpiece 35-foot rock formation
towering above its pathways. Stiltwalkers will parade throughout
the village, highlighting the beauty and grace of the colorful
jungle flora and fauna with elaborate costumes representing
birds, frogs and even the trees themselves.
Two signature rides add to
the excitement of Jungala: a zip line experience offers three
different flight patterns above the tree tops for young
adventurers and another ride launches guests up above a towering
waterfall. A 3-story family climbing area allows visitors to
ascend through the tree canopy on rope bridges to explore the
different layers of jungle life, and a children’s water-play
area allows even the youngest explorers to interact with the
environment.
Jungala also will offer
two new dining options for Busch Gardens guests. The Bengal
Bistro, a newly remodeled version of the popular Vivi
Restaurant, and the all-new Orang Café will offer seasonal
entrées, salads and sandwiches, premium snacks and expanded
childrens’ menus for hungry explorers of all ages.
More details will be
announced as the new park area nears completion. |
